1 SUMMER 2016BENEFIS HEALTH SYSTEM FOUNDATION

ust like the skilled team in Benefis Emergency Services pulls together to provide the best possible care for every patient who comes through the doors, the generous and giving people in our community and region joined together to make Mayfaire 2016 a wild success.

Mayfaire, the Benefis Health System Foundation’s annual fundraising event, raised a record $607,938 to support the construction of a new Emergency Department for Benefis Health System.

“I am grateful for the support from so many businesses and individuals again this year and thankful to all the volunteers who came together to help make Mayfaire so outstanding,” said Mayfaire Coordinator Kelly Michel.

“It was humbling to see the generosity from our community in support of this year’s important cause.” Continued on page 2

BENEFIS HEALTH SYSTEM FOUNDATION GENEROSITY HEALS

The new Emergency Department will combine new construction with remodeled space from a portion of the existing department and adjacent empty spaces. It will be more than double the size of the existing department, with 33 rooms, including several specialty rooms.

The department will have a covered drop-off entrance, an enclosed ambulance garage, a decontamination suite and many more efficiencies and enhancements. The total cost of the project is around $12.4 million, and philanthropy is going to play a key role.

“On behalf of Emergency Services, I wish to thank all who participated in Mayfaire,” said Kevin Langkiet, Director of Benefis Emergency Services. “Our goal is to raise funds for the new and innovative Emergency Department, and the generosity shown at this

year’s Mayfaire is a fantastic step in the right direction.”

Langkiet said continued support from people in the community and region will make it possible to build the most advanced Emergency Department with the latest and best technology, equipment and skill level to serve families, neighbors and friends throughout Northcentral Montana.

This year’s Mayfaire is a continuation of a long history of local support for Benefis Emergency Services. It dates back to when two Great Falls couples –

A Magnificent MayfaireAmazing support from sponsors, guests sets stage for campaign to build new Emergency Department

SUMMER 2016

J

Kevin LangkietDirector, Benefis

Emergency Services

2 SUMMER 2016

Carter and Judy Williams and Keith and Olive Ario – came together following the merger of Deaconess and Columbus hospitals to make the lead gifts for the then state-of-the-art Emergency Room that opened in 1998 on what is now the Benefis East Campus. That Emergency Department now cares for more than 34,000 visitors a year – up from 24,000 patients when it first opened, which is why this project is so important and was chosen as this year’s beneficiary.

For the past few years, new Benefis Foundation Director Grant Eve has been involved with the Foundation in a unique way. He and several friends have been rallying people in Great Falls and other parts of Montana to raise money to support cancer patients and research through an annual head-shaving event dubbed Buzz Your Fuzz.

The local Certified Public Accountant started the fundraiser in memory of his uncle, Mike Eve, a Great Falls native and Whitefish resident who passed away from renal cell carcinoma in 2009. Grant held the event in Whitefish for two years before bringing it in 2013 to Great Falls, where he’s continued to organize it annually. In that time, more than $100,000 has been raised and donated to the Benefis Sletten

Benefis Health System FoundationBoard of Directors& Staff

OfficersChris R. Reiquam, ChairShannon E. Hoiland, Vice ChairBryce C. Graft, SecretaryDouglas M. Nicholson, Treasurer

DirectorsBarbara L. ByrneRichard F. DoughtenGrant W. EveNora E. Gerrity, MDDena Burnham JohnsonWayne E. LinnellDean A. NelsonPatricia T. SlettenG. Mike TabaccoDiane M. Volk

Benefis Health System Ex-OfficioForrest G. Ehlinger, CFOWilliam McGregor, MD Benefis Health System Board

Founding DirectorsJ. W. Bloemendaal, MDJames D. Eidson, MDGaee M. Ellis*Sandra L. Geske*Gregory J. HatleyJane C. Hibbard*Paul C. HustedRichard E. Lauritzen, MDBarbara L. MoeNancy M. O’BrienM. Kathy RiceShirlee J. ThiebesRodney C. ThorneEvie A. UgrinVirginia H. WieckCarter Williams*Milton O. Wordal*Frances M. Wylder

*Deceased

Benefis Health System Foundation StaffDan Hollow, PresidentSara BranomJudy DohenyMary KoppyKelly MichelMarilyn ParkerSandy RamsteadStacy RiceShelley RossbergAmber Steers

The Mayfaire net revenue of $256,038 was raised through support of 67 area businesses plus the live and silent auctions, which included nearly 100 items, experiences and getaways. The special appeal boosted the net by an additional $351,900 in gifts and pledges for the grand total of $607,938.

“The amazing support shown through Mayfaire was an excellent way to kick-start our fundraising

efforts to help with this project that is so vital to our community and region,” said Benefis Foundation President Dan Hollow.

“We truly have the best donors in the world.” ✦

Cancer Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, where his uncle was treated. Last year’s Buzz Your Fuzz raised an all-time high of $35,000. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, with the buzz cuts starting at 4 p.m.

“Grant has already proven his passion for making a difference for others,” said Benefis Foundation President Dan Hollow. “We are excited to have him join the great group of community volunteers who serve on the Foundation Board.”

Grant, who is a partner at Joseph Eve CPAs, is from Great Falls and received his Master’s in Accounting from Montana State University in Bozeman. Along with serving on the Benefis Foundation Board, he is a member of the Innovators Network at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

“The more I find out about the Benefis Foundation, the more respect and admiration I have for the organization,” he said. “It amazes me ... all that you do there.”

He and his wife, Mercede, have two young children, Mikah and Emmett. Grant enjoys golf, water skiing and spending time with his family. ✦

Buzz Your Fuzz Organizer Grant Eve Joins Benefis Foundation Board

A Magnificent Mayfaire Continued from the cover

3 SUMMER 2016

An original oil painting by a famed artist. A custom-built water feature for your yard that you get to help design. A getaway to a tropical paradise with accommodations in a suite that’s beyond super-deluxe.

This year’s Mayfaire was blessed with donations of many fabulous items, packages and experiences, including eight items that made this year’s live auction over-the-top, raising $64,000.

Special for this year’s event, artist R. Tom Gilleon of rural Cascade painted a scene from the mesmerizing Hungry Fox Equinox digital artwork that he and partners donated to the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute a couple of years ago. The 18-by-30-inch oil titled Hungry Fox Equinox: Northern Lights” was classic Gilleon, evoking emotion with bold luminous colors and that mythical glow he does so well. The piece still smelled of fresh paint and drew spirited bidding, eventually selling for $20,000.

Dr. James Whittle and his wife, Kari, generously donated their vacation week at sun-kissed Cabo San Lucas in their timeshare at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, a luxury resort with a huge selection of pools blissfully secluded on a private coastal bluff. The Super Presidential Suite sleeps eight and has a large hot tub on the deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean during whale season. This amazing getaway sold for $6,250.

Greenup Lawn, Landscape & Sprinklers owners James and Shannon Hoiland, who is Vice Chair of the Benefis Foundation Board, donated a custom-built natural rock water feature with FX Luminaire lighting. The buyers, who paid $5,000, will get to choose the perfect rock for this relaxing and aesthetically pleasing addition that will transform any backyard into a peaceful oasis.

The beneficiary department, Benefis Emergency Services, offered up the opportunity to participate in a training flight with the skilled Mercy Flight crew. This priceless experience sold twice for $10,000 and $9,000.

The generous Leslie Oakland Thomas family donated back another priceless experience – the opportunity to see your favorite band or musician at your venue of choice in the lower 48 states, which they bought at last year’s event but haven’t been able to use. This music-lovers dream package, which includes round-trip air, two nights of lodging and two reserved concert tickets to your chosen concert, sold for $3,500.

Mayfaire by the Numbers67 business and family supporters

220 golfers on 55 teams

706 guests served a delectable meal by Aramark/Benefis Food Services and volunteers in 23 minutes

90 volunteers

87 silent auction packages

8 live auction packages

48 gifts made during the special appeal

The Live Auction also included a golf getaway to legendary courses in La Quinta, CA; a Top Gun military aerobatic fighter flight with an experienced pilot; and a poster of “The Godfather” signed by the director and cast, all of which brought a pretty penny that night.

Thanks again to all of the donors, bidders and buyers for making the success of the live auction something to celebrate. ✦

Clockwise from upper left, Mercy Flight's Rosie Rosalez was one of the spotters during the spirited bidding wars. Volunteers Stephanie Nelson and Roxanne Lamar show Tom Gilleon's

beautiful oil painting to the crowd; Mike Milburn visits with the artist; Cabo San Lucas; two Mercy Flight helicopter "training missions" were sold; a beautiful rock fountain was part of another great package.

Incredible Donations Draw High Bids in Live Auction

To support the new Benefis Emergency Department, you can make a gift using the enclosed giving envelope or make your gift online at benefisfoundation.org.

For information about opportunities such as naming a room in the new department, please call the Benefis Foundation office at 406.455.5840.

4 SUMMER 2016

A to Z Lock & KeyAdvanced Coatings

Albertsons Curt & Betty Ammondson

Debra J. AmmondsonAmy’s Morning Perk

Keith & Mimi AndersonAnonymous

Dr. Jeffrey & Wendy BakerBarnes & Noble Booksellers

Amy D. BeamesDudley & Tammy Beard

Yvonne C. BellBenefis Emergency Services

Benefis Health System Auxiliary

Benefis Spirit of WomenDean & Rita Bishop

William & Jacqueline BourretSara M. Branom

Richard & Dr. Bridget BrennanDavid & Casey BuckinghamBryan & Carole Buckridge

Catherine L. BurnsteinJessica Buttrey

Charles & Barbara ByrneCabinet View Golf CourseDavid & Tanya Cameron

Danielle A. CoffmanKeith & Christina Cron

Crooked Tree Coffee & CakesTaylor & Courtney Crouch

Andrew & Wendy DavidsonTyrell Davis

Michael & Christine DemarcoScott & Christina Dimke

Disneyland Resort Dr. Paul & Cindy DolanDick & Nancy Doughten

Travis & Jillian EhnotElectric City Coffee

Electric City Conservatory & Flower FarmFast Car Wash

Bill & Sue FerrinJim & Debbie Filipowicz

Amy M. FlynnKaren K. FriedJeffrey N. Fuller

Kent & Kathy FunyakThomas & Dr. Nora Gerrity

Get Fit Great FallsTom Gilleon & Laurie Stevens

Rayn M. GinnatyBryce & Sara GraftGrand Union Hotel

Great Falls Symphony Association

Great Falls Trap & Skeet ClubGreat Falls Voyagers

Mike Green & Kiely KeaneGreenup Lawn, Landscape

& SprinklersRick Griffin

Groundworks FarmDaniel & Stephanie GrouxMichael & Melissa GuelffThomas & Marilyn HallDick & Vicki Hammer

Happy Tails LodgeGreg & Valerie Hatley

Donde HayesMick Heflin &

Lorraine MulonetDennis & Jean Heppner

Dan Hollow & Karen OgdenJerry & Bridgit Hopkins

Bruce HoulihanKris HoutonenJosh Huestis

Indian Wells Golf ResortPaula K. JacksonDr. Michael &

Danine JasumbackW. Bjarne & Dena JohnsonJohnson Madison Lumber

CompanyJoseph Eve CPAs

Terry & Wanda KangasKaufmans Menswear Center

David & Shirley KeilCarrie Koppy

David Krebs & Elizabeth StoryJD Kulbeck & Sara Boadle

KulbeckKevin W. LangkietAndrew LaszewskiJoseph Le Lievre &

Colleen Budeski Le LievreWayne E. Linnell

MacKenzie River PizzaArt & Renee MalisaniJohn & Laura Malisani

Barbara MarshallDr. Cari Matthews

Dr. William & Juanita McGregor

McKamey Ranch CompanyMcKesson Drug Company

PharmacyMeadow Lark Country Club

Medline IndustriesBrent & Kelly Michel

Kevin & Jo MillerMissoula Country Club

Montana State UniversityMark & Kay NashNealy Pierce, LLC

Dale & Kathy NelsonDouglas & Paige Nicholson

Leslie S. OaklandDr. Gina M. Painter

Gary & Marilyn ParkerPEAK Health

&Wellness CenterPenthouse Salon & SpaChass & Beckett PerkinsPhillip & Cara Piccono

Nadine Pickthorn

Donald & Terry PotterLincoln & Judi Powers

Theresa A. PreitePro-BuildMatt Raab

Chris & Cindy ReiquamErrol & Stacy Rice

Dave & Rebecca RichardsRussell Robertson

Owen & Gayle RobinsonRoland & Helen Lapee

Family FoundationCliff M. Rossberg

Ryan & Tanya RutherfordMonte & Lee Ann Ruud

Scott & Shannon SchandelsonScheels Sports

Steven & Carla SchniderRita H. Schrader

Schulte’s 38th Street Store & Coffee HouseNora Seekins

Signal Point Golf ClubSilvertip LLC

Fred & Stephanie SimmonsMark J. Simon

Orville & Arlene SkogenErik & Kim Sletten

J. Robert & Patricia SlettenStaples, Inc

Ryan & Tausha StollTarget Stores

Taylor Luther GroupGene & Jane ThayerGreg & Trina Thayer

The Blue RoseThe Grandview at Benefis

The Montana Club RestaurantThe Popcorn Colonel

The Springs ClubTradition Golf Club

University of Montana Athletic Department

Dennis & Jackie Van HeelMike & Shelly VanBurenDr. John G. VanGilder &

Dr. Sarah R. KenneyPatricia A. Vielle

Roy & Diane VolkMichael & Stacey Waldenberg

Mike & Joan WalshJanie Ward

We Do EntertainmentAshley Whitney

Dr. James & Kari WhittleWoith Engineering

Tom WorkmanWorld of Time

Morgan & Noel YelvingtonJeffrey W. Young

Dr. James & Cari Yturri

Our Generous DonorsOur Generous Supporters

Paramount

Premier

Platinum

Aramark Healthcare Technologies ❖ D.A. Davidson McLean & Associates ❖ MedAssets is now Vizient

Moss Adams ❖ National Laundry & Dry Cleaners Nelson Architects

Advanced Care Hospital of MontanaAero Air

Allegiance Benefit Plan ManagementBest Western Plus Heritage Inn

Brentwood Services AdministratorsCalumet Montana Refining

Central Plumbing & Heating/ Central ExcavationCentron Services

City Motor CompanyThe Claro Group

Cogswell Insurance AgencyCredit Associates

Crowley FleckCTA Architects EngineersDavis Business Machines

Edward JonesFirst Interstate Bank

ICLOPSInsurance Point

Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, StevensLoenbro

Maddox Roofing and ConstructionMalisani, Inc.

Matsko Eye ClinicMetro Aviation

Nealy PierceNew York Life Insurance of Great Falls

Northern Montana Health CareNorthWestern Energy

Rubin and RaineStockman Bank

Sullivan, Cotter and AssociatesUnited Materials

US BankVision Net

Gold

Silver

In-Kind SponsorsAdvanced Litho Printing

AramarkEklund’s Appliance, TV & Furniture

Forde NurseryFox Fine Jewelers

Greenup Lawn, Landscape & SprinklersMountain Plains Equity Group

Murmax ProductionsRenaissance Creative

Table SupportersChamberlin Edmonds

Control System IntegratorsGlobal Financial

Great Falls TribuneHolman Aviation

McLaughlin Research InstituteMontana Milling

O’Neill Contract FurnishingsTaylor Luther Group

Contract Flooring

Mayfaire Gala: Fun for a Cause

Benefis NICU Flight Nurse Staci Griffin was part of the Mercy Flight team that cared for the Mike and Lindsey Kellam family, who were featured in the Mayfaire video.

Alicia Edgar won the sapphire and diamond necklace.

Howard and Mary Pat Maxwell of Benefis Emergency Services

5 SUMMER 2016

John & Michelle KoppelmanBenefis CEO John Goodnow and CIO Mark Simon

Pam Tillis graciously posed for several pictures with guests, including Haley Van Heel, Sara Palagi and Tiffany Van Heel.

Mercy Flight pilot Brian Abbott of Metro AviationBob Oakland

Sue Skees and Terry Fox. Terry and husband Joe, owners of Fox Fine Jewelers,donated the sapphire and diamond pendant for the raffle.

Pam Tillis delighted the crowd.

Dr. James Whittle and Dudley Beard

6 SUMMER 2016

A fitness program for the Sun River Valley Community Center in Fort Shaw and a music therapy program proposed by students at Great Falls Central Catholic High School are the winners in the Benefis Foundation’s Third Annual Community Grant Contest.

Sun River Yoga and the Sun River Valley Community Center requested the grant money to buy equipment to establish yoga classes and other low-impact exercise classes for senior citizens and people with physical limitations at the community center in Fort Shaw. Less than a month after receiving the $2,500 award, yoga instructor Audra Bergman began offering classes at the center.

“Two types of classes have been offered so far: a ‘Slow Flow’ class that incorporates movement, with a strong focus on maintaining functional alignment; and a ‘Gentle Yoga’ class that offers safe, gentle practice geared toward seniors and people with limited physical abilities,” Audra said.

“The classes have been attended by beginners and current yoga practitioners alike, and the reaction has been very positive.”

A food trailer that was partially funded through last year’s Benefis Foundation Community Grant Contest will visit four parks each weekday this summer and offer free lunches for children through age 18. The lunches will be offered from 10:30am to 1:15pm at Gibson Park, Valley View Elementary, Rhodes Park and Lions Park, in that order each day.

The food trailer program was organized by the Great Falls Public Schools Nutrition Program and Montana No Kid Hungry in an effort to reach the many children in our community who qualify for free and reduced lunches during the school year to make sure they also get meals throughout the summer. The trailer will offer salad and sandwich combinations as well as hot dogs, hamburgers and more. The school district also offers breakfasts each weekday during the summer at East Middle School.

The Benefis Foundation also is helping support a Get Fit Great Falls park attendant program called “Park Pals” that will be scheduled in conjunction with the food trailer visits at the parks.

The Park Pals will provide activities, ranging from sports to gardening to arts and crafts, for about an hour at each site. Groups such as First Peoples Buffalo Jump, Great Falls College

– MSU Nursing Students, Fish Wildlife and Parks, the CMR Cheer Team and Big Bear Sports will provide the activities with the hopes of enriching the lives of children who otherwise may not be able to go to summer camp. ✦

Audra said one of the participants said that the “wonderful breathing and relaxing stretches make her feel relaxed and energetic for the rest of the day,” and that she has begun doing yoga at home as well.

“To hear that people are already incorporating therapeutic movement into their home life is so rewarding,” said Audra. “There are many prospects for continued yoga and wellness through movement in our community, and I’m thrilled to be a part of making it more accessible. On behalf of the Sun River Valley Community Center, Sun River Yoga and the greater Sun River Valley, I want to thank the Benefis Foundation and all of the donors who made this possible.”

Great Falls Central Catholic High School’s “Music Matters in Great Falls” program used the grant money to buy vocal and instrumental sheet music and also service damaged instruments to support a new musical therapy program for inpatient and rehabilitation patients at Benefis Health System.

The logistics are all in place so when school resumes this fall the students can start practicing and prepare a performance schedule, with a goal of bi-monthly to weekly small concerts. The musical therapy will assist with medical efforts by helping alleviate pain, reducing the need of pain medication, enhancing brain activity for emotional and memory centers, and providing relaxation techniques to redirect depressive symptoms.

Benefis Community Grant Contest Awards Sun River Yoga and Great Falls Central

Yoga class at Sun River Valley Community Center.

This is the third year the Benefis Foundation has invited organizations to submit ideas for improving the health of people in Great Falls and the region. The finalists are posted on the Benefis Foundation’s Facebook page for voting by the greater community. Past winners are Montana No Kid Hungry (see Food Trailer Program story on this page), Quality Life Concepts, Farm in the Dell and Montana Council Boy Scouts of America – K-M Scout Ranch.

The $2,500 awards are from the Benefis Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund, which is used to support healthcare needs in our community and region as determined by the Benefis Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors. ✦

Food Trailer Program Funded Through Last Year’s

Community Grant Contest Gets Rolling

When school begins this fall, Great Falls Central Catholic High School students will begin preparing ensembles for the new musical therapy program supported by donors who give to the Greatest Need.

7 SUMMER 2016

Save the Dates for Upcoming EventsAUGUST 5

Cowgirl U All-Women’s Rodeo Clinic at the Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup at the Montana State Fair to benefit the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute’s Circle of Hope Program.

AUGUST 27

Buzz Your Fuzz event at the Hollis Hi Ho Tavern to benefit the Sletten Cancer Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

SEPTEMBER 10

5th Annual Men & Machines Car Show at the Sletten Cancer Institute to benefit cancer patients.

OCTOBER 29 Scheels 5th Annual 5K

Halloween Pumpkin Run to benefit the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute’s Circle of Hope Program. ✦

When a teenager loses someone close to them – a

parent, a sibling, a friend – the grief is different than that of a younger child, who may be more apt to talk about it.

Teens tend to keep sadness, loneliness, guilt and other difficult emotions to themselves, hidden from those who could possibly help them deal with the feelings in healthy ways.

With key support through the Benefis Health System Foundation, Benefis Peace Hospice has offered a Children’s Bereavement Program for more than 20 years. In that time, the programs have helped countless children deal with grief through camps, group and individual counseling sessions, and other free services for families. But the demand for teenage bereavement services in Great Falls and the region has been growing due to the high suicide rate in Montana paired with other untimely deaths that leave many teens feeling consumed by hurt.

Thanks to a $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life, the Benefis Children’s Bereavement Program will be offering a new Teen Outreach Program (TOP) to serve many of these teens through mentoring by other teens and adult volunteers who will facilitate caregiver groups in the five counties served by Peace Hospice: Cascade, Chouteau, Pondera, Teton and Toole.

At the check presentation in May, Children’s Bereavement Program care providers spoke about TOP and volunteers were invited to sign up for training sessions this summer so they will be ready to start the mentoring and caregiver groups during the next school year.

“So far, we’ve had 10 people sign up as new volunteers, and we are definitely looking for more,” said Leslie Murphy, Children’s Bereavement Coordinator at Benefis Peace Hospice. “There are many areas of teen grief this new grant will cover. Along with TOP, we need trained volunteers to help with the T.A.G. (Talking About Grief) support groups in the local high schools as well as with the parent support group, community presentations and teen nights throughout the year.”

She said she is thankful to New York Life and Great Falls agent Jared Brown, who championed the grant and helped rally volunteers, for making it possible to provide these important services.

“New York Life shares the same vision and passion for children’s bereavement as we do,” said Murphy. “We are so grateful for the support they have provided financially and the work that we, as a team, will do with New York Life in order to better serve the needs of grieving teens in rural areas in Montana. The Teen Outreach Program will allow teens an opportunity to grieve, find support and learn to re-invest in life.” ✦

If you would like to volunteer your time to help with the Teen Outreach Program, please

call Benefis Peace Hospice at 406.455.3040.

To make a donation to support the Children’s Bereavement Program, please use

the enclosed giving envelope or make your gift online at benefisfoundation.org.

The New York Life Community Impact Grant check was presented to Benefis Peace Hospice and Benefis Foundation staff at The Front/Faster Basset in May. From left to right: Tori Marcum, Joe Lencioni, Marilyn Parker, Leslie Murphy, Dawn O’Leary, Kathy Van Tighem, Jared Brown, Brian Craig, Dan Hollow, and Vicki Robinson.

Teen Outreach Program to Kick Off this Summer Thanks to $25,000 Grant from New York Life

Our

Circ

le of Friends

8 SUMMER 2016

“Helping Spur Cancer to a Standstill”Browning Circle of Hope / Cowboys for Life

Back in the mid-90s, a kindhearted group of people in Browning wanted to help others in their region get the care they needed for cancer.

“We wanted to help people who had to make appointments in Kalispell and Great Falls,” said Zita Bremner, one of the few remaining members of the original Circle of Hope group, now known as Cowboys for Life.

“We wanted to help them cover the cost of gas, food and whatever they needed.”

They started an annual cancer awareness horseback ride, where riders from Browning and the surrounding area would receive pledges for the number of miles they rode. The ride evolved into more of a commemoration than a fundraiser, so they added more fundraising events, such as a dinner in the fall and a ranch rodeo in the spring.

As the money they raised grew from year to year, so did the amount that they were able to give people to help with travel costs. These gifts first ranged from $25 to $75, but now they are able to give people $200 to $300. Zita said they recently assisted about two dozen Glacier County residents.

In addition to these direct gifts to individuals, Circle of Hope/Cowboys for Life has donated more than $51,000 to support Gift of Life Housing Centers and the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute, both of which serve hundreds of patients from Glacier County.

Zita said as she and other group members started getting older, they passed the torch on to “younger people.”

“And man are they great at raising money,” she said.

Darrell and Darcy Hall, the president and secretary of the Cowboys for Life organization, became involved with the horseback ride after Darcy’s dad, Charles

“Brother” Lukin, beat his first bout with cancer.

“He’d get pledges and start in Cut Bank and ride all the way to Browning – that’s 38 miles!” Darrell said. “He’d get up early and be to Browning by the noon hour.”

Darrell said his father-in-law later developed cancer again and passed away. But through being involved with the ride and other fundraising activities, he and his wife crossed paths with several others who were battling the disease.

“The more you get involved, the more people you know who are getting cancer; it just gives you more drive,” he said. Darrell noted some of his relatives were among the founding members of the group, which included Busy Hall, Eva Iron Pipe, Sweeto Hall, Eloise England, Jack Edmo, Shirley Gobert, and Eva Cobell.

Darrell said the committee members and their extended families, as well as numerous others in the community, play a big part in making their fundraising events a success.

The annual dinner, held in October at the Elks Club in Cut Bank, features live and silent auctions and a band, and usually generates around $14,000 to $16,000. The ranch rodeo is held the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend and features four events that circle around day-to-day ranching skills.

Following the rodeo events, they have a bronc riding event.

“The ranch rodeo usually generates around $20,000, but after expenses it’s about $16,000,” Darrell said.

Along with getting amazing support from Browning and Cut Bank merchants who sponsor their events, they also get funding from businesses that hold fundraisers and name Cowboys for Life as the beneficiary.

As mentioned, the horseback ride has become a commemoration for all of the people in Glacier County who’ve been touched by cancer. But, Darrell said, it also is a way to thank the many people who come together to make these events possible and successful.

“Usually a lot of families will dress in pink (or other colors to represent certain types of cancer) and meet down by the college and parade through town, meet at the rodeo arena, and do a potluck,” he said. “It’s for awareness and also for appreciation for everyone who pitches in and helps throughout the year.”

Darrell, Darcy and the other committee members and their families work year-round organizing these events; this is in addition to their regular jobs. They share the same motivation as the people who founded the group – they just want to help.

“All we do is give money to people who need it,” said Zita. ✦

Cowboys for Life committee members pictured above are (left to right): Laura and Virgil Hall, Monica Rattler, Billy Spotted Eagle, Kenny Oscar, Shannon Connelly, Darrell and Darcy Hall, Zita Bremner, Sissy and Clarence Gilham. Not pictured are Buzz Augare, Chicken Augare, Dawn and Joe Boggs, Shirley Gobert and Eva Cobell.

9 SUMMER 2016

Top center: General contractor of the project Bobby Tabacco of Guy Tabacco Construction works on sealing one of the new windows. Left: Before the work began, the houses were showing their age. Right: With new windows, trim, siding and roofing, the Gift of Life Houses are ready to help more out-of-town families who need them.

The West Gift of Life Housing Center, located next to Benefis West Campus at 540 17th Avenue South, is getting some much-needed attention in the form of new siding, windows and roofing thanks to donors giving years of support for the much-loved housing centers.

“This project, made possible by our donors, will ensure the West Gift of Life House will be around to provide a safe, comfortable and energy-efficient home away from home for our patients and their families for another 30 years,” said Gift of Life Coordinator Sara Branom.

The work, which should be completed later this summer, will cost about $163,000.

Providing this “gift of life” to Benefis patients began back in the late 1980s, when a dedicated group of volunteers set out to raise funds to build housing for patients who had to travel to Great Falls for medical treatment. From that group grew the Montana Gift of Life Foundation, and in 1991 the first Gift of Life House opened with four apartment-style units near what was then the Columbus Hospital.

By 1998, the housing center had grown to include a total of 16 units, plus an adjacent RV park. That same year, following the merger of the Deaconess and Columbus Hospitals to create Benefis Health System, the Montana Gift of Life Foundation and the Montana Deaconess Foundation merged to become Benefis Health System Foundation, and the Foundation continued raising money to support Gift of Life Housing as well as myriad other programs.

During the capital campaign to build the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute, people had the opportunity to give toward construction of another Gift of Life Housing Center near Benefis East Campus and the new cancer center. Thanks to the generosity of many donors and careful stewardship of the money that had been donated to Gift of Life Housing over the years, the East Gift of Life House was built, with six apartment-style units and six day rooms, and opened in Spring 2006.

Since the West Gift of Life House opened in 1991, more than 1,400 guests have enjoyed its comforts of home 2,400 times. The total number of stays in both Gift of Life houses is nearly 5,500. And the patients and their families are beyond grateful for receiving the

“gift of life.” Without the option of a place to stay in Great Falls, many otherwise would not have been able to undergo their life-saving treatments.

“A subliminal yet very real aspect of caring for patients and families who stay at Gift of Life Housing is that the houses not only look and smell clean but that they are clean and tidy,” Sara said. “We keep an eye out for

anything that is becoming worn, including the buildings themselves. We take very seriously being a good steward of what we have been given by the founders of Gift of Life. The purpose of the housing is not only to provide a place to stay but also a place to feel safe. Walking up to a clean, well-maintained building is the first step of that process.”

“I am grateful and humbled by the trust our donors have put in us to provide steady support over the years for when wear and tear make projects like this necessary,” she added. “This house truly is a gift of life for so many people.” ✦

Gift of Life Housing Centers are such a blessing to patients and families from around the region, but these housing centers are only possible because of support from donors like you. If you’d like to give a gift to support Gift of Life Housing, you may use the enclosed giving envelope or make your gift online at benefisfoundation.org.

Gift of Life House Gets Necessary Updates Thanks to Donors

10 SUMMER 2016

Benefis Health System Foundation is grateful to the kindhearted donors who support our mission of improving and enhancing healthcare services in Great Falls and Northcentral Montana.

You are making a meaningful difference for so many people. Thank you for your generosity.

Donors listed gave gifts February 1 through May 31.

Angel Fund & 221 Children’s Fund & EndowmentsShirley Q. BillingsleyCynthia Cieluch OhmanThomas W. Croskrey, Sr.Mary Lou DelaireDerald & Alice GuilbertValon HaslemJessica S. MosesDave & Marsha StokesAngela S. WalhusBarbara Weed

IN MEMORy OF

Evelyn A. CadyDuane & Bonnie McDaniel

Debbie Huestis AndersonRuss & Terry Hanson

Juliet HydeDick & Paula Wilmot

Yvette M. MontgomeryKenneth & Parvati Montgomery

Richard F. NebelDuane & Bonnie McDaniel

Rod PeckMike & Jena Tabacco

Barbara L. PetersonRuss & Terry Hanson

Kay E. RobinsonRuss & Terry Hanson

Irene M. StuartRuss & Terry Hanson

Gwendolyn M. WiederrichFrank & Shelley Rossberg

IN HONOR OF

Dr. Susan H. AveryCarol Roberts

Dr. Rollin W. BearssShelley C. Rossberg

Dr. Steven M. ChrzanowskiGary & Linda O’Brien

Dr. Michael A. DubeGary & Linda O’Brien

Dr. Raymond A. GeyerGary & Linda O’Brien

Dr. Mike A. JohnsonGary & Linda O’Brien

Dr. Stacy M. KingslandShelley C. Rossberg

Jason Kjono, PA-CGary & Linda O’Brien

Rodney T. Lutes, PAGary & Linda O’Brien

Dr. Ronald G. RayGary & Linda O’Brien

Veda WeisMarks-Miller Post & Pole, Inc.

Children’s Bereavement Program/Camp Francis Funds & EndowmentsRich & Donna DengelMarilyn F. IversenNew york Life Russell Country Federal Credit UnionBrad & Julie Warneke

IN MEMORy OF

Darcy L. DengelJudy Albin

Donnie HouldRichard & Carol Winchell

Susan L. ParkerDavid & Wilma Blaquiere

Gerald L. SmithLinda Jo SmithMick & Suzie Taleff

IN HONOR OF

Dr. Bradford A. BergmanMike & Jena Tabacco

Gift of Life Housing Centers Fund & EndowmentDennis & Darlene AbeytaMyrna J. AlmeBNSF Railway FoundationJuanita BowmanCircle of HopeThomas W. Croskrey, Sr.Geraldine S. DoneyMyrna AlmeFaith Lutheran ChurchLewis & Cherie GuidoniLoren & Michele HansenArmen & Betty HidalgoRoy & Karen HollandsworthTimothy E. HopsonFaye M. James

Kevin DistributingUrban R. KultgenRaymond Little DogBen & Alice MartinAlice D. MartinTerry MatthewsWanda A. McKinneyDavid Melby & Betty Callies-MelbyMark W. MeyerJessica S. MosesWanda L. NaniniPaul SebeySeville ColonyKenneth & Patsy ShelhamerSt. Olaf Lutheran ChurchCarolyn M. StoneJames & Mary Ann SullivanAllen & Dolores WittmierZeller Family Foundation

IN MEMORy OF

Shirley L. ApeldornRev. John & Jeannie Fauerbach

Dr. James H. BaileyWilliam & Joyce Coyle

Mabel A. BarrittAlvin & Tootie Wallace

Linda BrysonKennard & Diana Martin

Anne M. CavesDavid & Renette Heydon

Richard EdgingtonMaxine S. DronenKarl & Debra Pula

Evelyn F. EneyVernon C. BergerKenneth & Avis BerkramMonte & Dawn FauqueKeith & Karen HalgrenShelley Larson

Foundation Donors Create Lasting Legacies

“Don’t Wait Too Long” Shirt Sale Raises $2,100 for the Angel FundLocal photographer Cindy Cieluch and her family are carrying on the legacy of Cindy’s mother, who lost her battle with cancer three years ago, in a special way. They have comfy, stylish t-shirts for men, women and children (and onesies for babies, too!) designed with a wonderful message – Don’t Wait Too Long – and then they sell them, giving all of the profits to charity.

This spring, Cindy had a sale on the shirts at The Blue Rose and chose to donate the proceeds to the Benefis Foundation’s Angel Fund, which helps families who need to travel away from home to receive special medical care for their children.

The Angel Fund assistance helps with plane fare, gas, hotel, food and more. Last year, 83 families were helped with a total of $57,067 through this special fund.

On April 21, Cindy, sporting a bright red Don’t Wait Too Long shirt and a smile, brought in a $2,100 donation for the Angel Fund from the sale of the shirts.

“April 21 will always be one of my favorite dates – my Mom’s birthday,” she said. “To celebrate my beautiful, generous Mom, I made a donation from our latest sale of Don’t Wait Too Long shirts to the Angel Fund – $2,100! More than 100 shirts were sold in the last few months to raise money for children in Great Falls who need to go out of state for medical care.”

Thanks so much to Cindy and her family, to Tracy Perry at The Blue Rose for hosting the sale, and to everyone who bought shirts for this special fundraiser. Helping babies and children in our community and region get specialized medical care is a really neat way to celebrate and remember someone so special. ✦

We are grateful to Cindy Cieluch for choosing the Angel Fund as the beneficiary of her fundraiser because this special fund is always in need of support. If you’d like to make a gift to support the Angel Fund, you may use the enclosed giving envelope or make your gift online at benefisfoundation.org.

Cindy's son Xander and daughter Tae are the perfect models for Don't Wait Too Long onesies, which make great gifts.

11 SUMMER 2016

Continued on page 12

Northern Telephone Cooperative, Inc.Peterson, Peterson & ShorsMichael & Willa Sheard

Lillie J. FritzEugene & Myrna Cady

Mildred M. KeeneDavid & Renette Heydon

Leonard A. KonenAlvin & Tootie Wallace

Ron NelsonRichard & Genett Hixson

Richard J. PaughCynthia M. Blanco

Kenneth D. RimmerHarmon PropertiesStanley & Willa LangelGary & yvette LaValleyErling L. LynnesJim & Merry RowlattPatrick & Mary Ann Trumpour

Eunice M. RogersAllred Revocable TrustDon & Linda LeeR & S Grain

Doug ShawAlvin & Tootie Wallace

Margaret L. SorensenTimothy A. Sorensen

Irene M. StuartEugene & Myrna Cady

Shirley WischAmerican Lutheran Church Women of the ELCACherry Ridge RanchMaxine S. DronenJames & Peggy MaloneMyrla McCoyMax & Leah MillerPatrick & Donna MurdyKarl & Debra PulaConnie M. StanleySharon WesbrookLaurence Wisch

IN HONOR OF

Dr. David E. AndersonDonald & Carolyn Bren

Dr. Jonathan BinghamDonald & Carolyn Bren

Dr. Nicholas D. BonfilioDonald & Carolyn Bren

Donald & Carolyn BrenMark & Mary Bren

Dr. Jorge L. CastrizDonald & Carolyn Bren

Patti DunnDarrell Dunn

Dr. Jeremy E. JensenDonald & Carolyn Bren

Dr. Thomas C. KeyMatthew & Elizabeth Baldwin

Dr. Patrick TangDonald & Carolyn Bren

Dr. Kelly J. UnderhillDonald & Carolyn Bren

Greatest Need Fund & EndowmentDennis & Darlene AbeytaAmazonSmile FoundationAnonymousPhilip H. BaileyDennis BeasleyJohn & Patricia BrunzellBuffalo SaloonThomas W. Croskrey, Sr.Dr. Paul DolanTheodore & Carol EdmisterSandra L. EinanHenry & Evelyn EndlerFirst Interstate BancSystem FoundationBarry & Lacey GallagherAnthony GoltValon HaslemGregory B. HoltLisa JenkinsJason & Renae JonesCarl R. KellingtonEugene & Carolyn KoppyL’Heureux Page WernerKathy J. MangoldDr. William & Juanita McGregorJessica S. MosesAudrey M. O’BoyleEthel E. ParkerLacey J. Pe’VeyStanley R. RenningRobert M Holter TrustDr. Betsy RushworthBeverly SachsenmaierJanice D. Swanson

IN MEMORy OF

Michael L. AdkinsGene & Bonnie Knight

Edward L. BogutLand Development & Management Inc.

Mabel E. BogutLand Development & Management Inc.

James A. CummingsAnderson ZurMuehlen & Co.Dr. Keith & Rebecca BortnemDavid & Tanya CameronJack R. DavisTamara DimkeDonald & Karol EngellantRick & Deb EvansJacalyn L. FreyDon & Susan HamiltonJay & Susan JewettNobby & Betty JohnsonJohn & Michelle KoppelmanJohn A. KosloskyBrian & Patricia LoucksDr. William & Juanita McGregorKirk A. MeyerDean & Cheryl NelsonBrad & Peg NimmickCraig & Gwen NowakJeffrey & Callie ReardenSheila RiceDave & Rebecca RichardsJ. Robert & Patricia SlettenSletten Companies

Thomas, Dean & HoskinsRobert & Janet ThomsonWarren & Susan WenzDavid & Jerry Zahller

Florence L. DolanPatricia CoolidgeDick & Nancy DoughtenCarroll & Sharon LorangJudith R. LudtkeMarjorie F. NerisonBonnie J. PurdyBrad & Vicki RobinsonHelen M. ShanahanCynthia S. SmithDavid & Karyl Viste

Martha FaberHarlan & Patricia Orham

Grace E. GregoriBlack Eagle Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary

John J. HansenLand Development & Management Inc.

Mary L. HansenLand Development & Management Inc.

Louise M. KujalaBob & Karen Baldwin

Shirley A. LucasBrent & Kelly Michel

David D. MadsonRoberta W. Boylan

Michael R. MaysLigaya P. Mays

Barbara B. OldsCarol A. Greely

James O. OmlieHavre NWE Employee Fund

Alvin E. PetersonEllen E. Lee

Joseph R. PlatishaRoberta W. Boylan

Daniel RoddyJeffrey D. CorbinThe Corbin Family

Frank C. SchulerRobert E. Stephens

Donald S. SmithGreg, Joni & Alison Williams

Ronald W. SwenssonJames & Mary Larson

Edward J. WarrenDr. Paul & Cindy Dolan

Kenneth WichmanBarbara Wichman

IN HONOR OF

Dr. T. Brice AddisonGregory B. HoltPattie J. JohnsonDavid L. WilseyMervine R. yurek

All PatientsBrian M. Ragland

Dr. Roberto Amado-CattaneoSue A. WarrenBarbara Wichman

Dr. Susan H. AveryM. Delores Mills

Dr. Kathleen S. BlairAnonymousDouglas & Paige Nicholson

Dr. Steven M. ChrzanowskiDean & Cheryl Nelson

Nels CostelAdrian Costel

Dr. Eliad A. CulceaDean & Cheryl Nelson

Dr. Grant W. HarrerLyndon & Mary Goodrich

Dr. Paul M. JohnsonChris Halford & Barbara Bettens

Dr. Stacy M. KingslandMike & Jena Tabacco

Dr. Bryan E. MartinRoy & Diane Volk

Dr. John T. MolloyDean & Cheryl Nelson

Ms. Carrie A. Powell, FNPJean Peres

Sarah A. SmithJames McIlhattan

Dr. Patrick J. ThomasAnonymous

Dr. Craig L. TreptowDon & Elizabeth Lidstone

Dr. Jodi L. ViolettGladys B. Barr

Dr. Daniel R. WalkerHomer L. Potts

Peace Hospice & Peace Hospice Residential Funds & EndowmentsDemorise & Frances AllenBig Sky Bridge ClubArchie C. BishopMaxima S. CoxRobert D. DillardDell EveraertThe Hosley FamilyDonald & Beverly McKameyJessica S. MosesJulia L. NeckstadRichard & Debra OlsonElizabeth M. QuickendenHelen M. RogersTimothy J. SachsenmaierHeather K. SpurzemBen StensakerCassandra L. StormRobert & Lori VinsonZeller Family Foundation

IN MEMORy OF

Dolores M. AlbrechtKenneth W. Albrecht

Russell L. BairdTheodore & Darlene Funyak

Glen E. BakerRichard & Carol BrownellRoger & Denise ElingsJ. Greg & Patricia JonesGregory & Della Kellogg

Roman & Judy KetterlingStaff & Students at Utterback Middle SchoolHarold & Christy StubbsDebbie SturmUlm Elementary SchoolDanny & Jackie WeistTerry Will & Shelley Heien-Will

Shirley BarrettJerrold & Nadyne Weissman

Bonnie R. Barton-HladTheresa R. Hopkins

Thomas J. BauerPatricia A. Bauer

Stephen J. BirkoskiDr. John H. Avery & Dr. Susan H. AveryPhyllis BirkoskiFamily & FriendsMyrel & Mary FischerShirley E. KimmetMark & Patty KohoutekRobert & Sherry KuntzRobert & Sheryl MurdochKathleen A. ShrynePaul & Diane Wade

Helen L. BleyDaniel & Kathy Kline

Florence M. BoysunRandal & Susan Boysun

Joan BradacJohn & Susan BradacBill & Jane Hamilton

Christine Brymerski-CloughGene & Patricia CarlsonCharles & Lauri ChvilicekConnie S. DavisKeith W. DuncanJan L. HellewellRonald V. HeppRichard & Mildred JallingsBob & Dianne NagyAnne TallySteve E. TintingerRichard & Gaile WilsonScott W. WilsonBilly & Amy Woodard

Richard T. BurtonElizabeth Boland

Patricia K. CettoCharles & Lily AllenFredina JohnsonJohn & Michelle KoppelmanSharon L. MaherMary Pat SmithCarol & Kneelon TeagueThe Bridge ClubWarren & Susan Wenz

Charles E. CornwallVonnie CornwallFamily & FriendsAlta M. Pallett

Evelyn CoteMargaret B. GoyetteMargit JensenLadies Auxiliary VFW Post #1087

Your Gifts Make a Real Difference

12 SUMMER 2016

Dorothy M. CrevelingDon & Sharon CrevelingDon & Clara FraserPaul & Brenda GruelDonna M. JosephHoward & Mary Pat MaxwellLois C. OlsonFrank & Lois StimacStockmens BankJacqueline A. StrandellShareen M. Strandell

Marian CromwellApogee Medical ManagementErika A. HennefordHarry Mitchell, Leslie Vandeventer & Fran MastersMarlene S. Reardon

James A. CummingsWilliam & Jacqueline BourretGuy & Betty CroweKnud M. GrosenRobert & Bonnie PancichOwen & Gayle Robinson

Dr. Warren L. DaleyLoren & Elaine Rice

Michael L. DavisTheresa R. Hopkins

Mike DiekhansArlene M. Kato

Florence L. DolanLouise M. Haaby

Sharie J. DorringtonAlbert E. Reeves

Earl W. DuncanBert & Barbara DuncanLinda A. DuncanFamily & Friends

Martha FaberDr. John H. Avery & Dr. Susan H. AveryKarl & Ida BeckerAnna ChristDarla G. Dillabough

Bobby & Gail DosserDick & Nancy DoughtenGayle FisherHomebob PCJudith R. LudtkeJanice I. NeremWalter & Edith SchneiderBrett & Jacie SchoenenBill & Carol ShulerJoann K. SuttonDennis Whitmore

Joseph A. FeldmanLarry & Kathy CurranDeacon RidgeFrancis & Judith MurphyWilliam & Sylvia O’KeefeBeverly OpieFrancis E. QuinnDale & Judy SchwankeLoretta J. WalkerJim & Katie Winter

Richard J. FerdererKevin & Robyn Good Family

Darell E. FranzShannon & Rheshell McCaleb

Denise E. GemarThomas & Nada CummingsLyndon & Mary GoodrichKeith & Colleen Lippert

Erin GerughtyRonald & Bobbie Kandarian

Richard G. GoarPatti Jo Goar-CaldwellBill & Carol Shuler Family

Dean W. GoodmanJack & Monta BellGeorge & Marilyn ClingerCynthia D. CrossmanKarlene M. FrankRichard & Darcy GreeneLouise M. HaabyBeverly R. MundilMarjorie F. NerisonRoberta NewburnReno & Carole PetersonSimon & Donna Rendell & Doug MundilLoren & Elaine RiceLoretta L. RileyWayne & Dorothy RosethKent & JoAnn SchaufelbergerJosephine SchultzMick & Suzie Taleff

Helen GoodmanLoren & Elaine Rice

Henry M. GrismerFamily & FriendsDorothy GrismerDerold & Iris SimonsonHal & Beverly TiffanyJohn & Beverly Tomaskie

Richard HansonMichael T. Heine

Jean L. HillMark & Patty Kohoutek

Bonnie HoffmanMarlow & Patricia Erdman

Nancy C. HolmDemorise & Frances Allen

Debbie Huestis AndersonAnna Johns BleskinLois Hill

Barbara J. HughesMaxine E. BrownShirley A. EdwinPatricia S. FisherNobby & Betty JohnsonJudith E. KinonenWayne & Dorothy RosethTerry & Lynn Williamson

Isabelle IngallsJudith Taylor

Edith JamesFrancis & Blanche EngellantRobert & Norma Nommensen

Kaymarie JensenCarl E. Hansen

Harold E. JuedemanClarene E. DysartRhoene J. ManleyStockmens Bank

Leroy JuneauDemorise & Frances Allen

Donna L. KarnsDianna L. BlissWilliam & Jackie Bourret

Linda KatoArlene M. Kato

Cathy E. KennedyKarlene M. FrankJeff & Millie PlatishaStaff of Utterback Middle School

Nina C. KirbyDarlene KravikHarlan & Patricia Orham

Ralph A. KlattRandolph & Carol Klatt

Rosemarie H. KostasLadies Auxiliary VFW Post #1087

Charlene A. KuglinPatrick & Claudia O’Connell

Ernest E. LaufferTerry & Helen Reistad

Phyllis A. LawrenceDoris W. Bjork

Joseph L. Levesey, Jr.Darlene J. Frasz

Barbara F. LippertJoan Lippert

Eunice LottCherry Ridge RanchDick & Nancy DoughtenGeorgia Ann FlattumRoger & Joyce KornderScott & Kasie McIntoshBarry Newmack & Jane GregoireEdgar & Gail ObieShannon R. SattleenEllen G. SolemConnie M. StanleySweet Water RanchDuane & Sue Wright

Your Gifts Make a Real DifferencePeace Hospice & Peace Hospice Residential Funds & EndowmentsContinued

National estate planning expert shares knowledge with local professionalsThis June, Benefis Health System Foundation hosted a presentation on charitable estate planning for more than two dozen area professionals. Thompson and Associates Senior Vice President Tom Cullinan delivered the continuing education, drawing on his more than 20 years of experience as a charitable giving consultant.

Tom has worked with the Benefis Foundation for the past two years, offering free consultations on planned giving to interested donors. Local attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors attended the recent education and walked away with continuing education credits in their fields and a broad understanding of the importance of planned giving.

The presentation covered complications and ethical questions associated with estate planning, such as clients varied motivations for planned giving and ways each professional could best support their clients’ intentions. Tom placed particular emphasis on the necessary stewardship of everyone involved in a planned gift and called for professionals to reach out to one another when dealing with areas outside their expertise.

Planned giving has the power to establish a legacy, create security for family members and protect a donor’s assets after death. But it also can be misunderstood, misused, and mismanaged by professionals without the experience and credentials to execute it well.

The Benefis Foundation is grateful to Tom for being such an amazing resource for many donors and now for local professionals who are looking out for people in our community.

Tom will continue working with our donors through October. If you have questions about estate planning or planned giving in general and would like to schedule a meeting with Tom or with Benefis Foundation Director of Planned Giving Marilyn Parker, please call 406.455.5840. ✦ Generosity

13 SUMMER 2016

Shirley A. LucasDennis & Carol BahnmillerWilliam & Joyce CoyleBruce M. FentonJohn & Guinevere HaleyMarilyn M. HamerWilliam & Janis KollarJohanna Krough, Deborah Lum, & Alicia MatterRobin LaurenceLillian M. MalekCharles & Cathy McGaugheyPatricia R. MurnionJake & Kay NeilJames & Doris PascalRobert & Ann PashaLinda M. ShinnerDiane Tomhave, Annie Lamour, & Claudia KibbeeThe Nerdettes

David D. MadsonJames & Georgia NickleAlbert E. Reeves

Dorothy H. MarbergRichard D. Marberg

Roberta J. MarcussenKeith & Colleen Lippert

Eleanor F. MaresRaymond D. Delger

Anton MarsikPatricia Greenland

Pearl A. MarsikPatricia Greenland

Susanne A. MerloJeff & Millie Platisha

Ronald C. MillerRaymond D. Delger

Verna M. MillerRaymond D. Delger

Charlene M. MitchellTerrance R. MitchellQuality Life ConceptsWalter & Edith Schneider

James L. MitchellEd & Peg HaterLois HillMichael & Virginia KeatingMichaela MessmanRichard & Bonnie MessmanNancy J. O’BrienLarry & Suzanne Redding

John T. MitchellArthur & Sharon DickhoffPatricia DyerStaff of First Interstate Bank in Great FallsPatrick & Claudia O’ConnellJeff & Millie PlatishaBarbara J. TabaccoDelano F. Voegele

Janet MorleyScott & Lisa Morley

Dr. Joseph J. MurphyGuy & Betty CroweDaniel J. DevineRobert & Gayle GregovichHalftime Sports BarMike & Leslie Houchin

Dr. Donald P. JelinekKenneth & Theresa PalagiKenneth & Edna PalagiBarbara ReedPeter & Jo Ann ThornburgJames Vaskey & Anita Fuhrman

Ruth E. NorrisLeonard & Rayleen BlixrudThe Ruth Eileen Norris Families

Barbara B. OldsRobert D. OldsAlbert E. Reeves

Wendell PeckFrances M. FellerCharles & Lillian Foussard

Robert PeineCH2M Calgary

Joseph R. PlatishaLynne BoothRod ClarkJerry W. DeMarcoLane & Sheryl FreibothRobert GustovichJames & Linda KathmanJoe & Linda KoneskyBarbara K. MaurerJames & Sandra McKennaDean & Cheryl NelsonMary Pat SmithAnn ThielmanTara ThielmanRon & Pennie VihinenWarren & Susan WenzLinda J. WinchellWilliam Zier & Kathy Zier Rosse

Daniel RoddyKeith W. Duncan

Shirley A. RudbergHarry & Mildred Schmidt

Helen C. SattorivaMargit Jensen

Raymond ScheetMarilyn L. Johnson

DeFon S. SchmittTheresa R. Hopkins

Kaylee M. SchusterJohn & Betty Mora

Carole J. SmithConnie R. SkiftunRobert & Rose Mary Snodgrass

Donald S. SmithIvan & Marlene BauerAudrey DavisonBob & Coy GrayRichard & Margery JohnstenKenneth & Lyla MeskeConnie K. PetersJim & Kathleen RuebkeRalph & Lil SchroederLoretta J. WalkerBonnie L. yoneyZion Lutheran School

Lorraine A. SniderHerb & Debbie Chesterfield

Robert E. SpoonheimMarjorie J. Olsen

Irene D. StanleyDaniel & Helen Spurgin

Debra S. StonerDemorise & Frances Allen

Jack ThorntonGary & Ritamarie CampbellMartin & Diana Leonard

Robert WagnerBonnie K. Holm

Ramona C. WarehimeADM - Benson QuinnDakota Midland GrainBeverlee J. FairbanksFamily & FriendsMikel & Mary KirbyMichael & Janet KosandaMeritex EnterprisesQuality FoundationTed & Kathleen Warehime

Joseph D. WattersLillian M. Watters

Florence WestphalJohn & Alice Davidson

Gwendolyn M. WiederrichHarold & Judith Spilde

IN HONOR OF

Dr. T. Brice AddisonCornelia AndersonInez F. Bray

Dr. Kathleen S. BlairLaura E. Flaherty

Dr. Benny E. BrandvoldLaura E. Flaherty

Sletten Cancer Institute Funds & EndowmentsAdmat, LLCAnonymousBig Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup CommitteeShirley Q. BillingsleyCircle of HopeConcordia Lutheran GuildNels CostelGrace Lutheran ChurchGreat Falls Gaming RendezvousEverett & Carol HallGlada V. HammettRoy & Karen HollandsworthTimothy E. HopsonMarilyn L. JohnsonKasi L. KarnLutheran Women’s Missonary LeagueJames B. Lyons EstateAlice D. MartinJessica S. MosesOrder of Eastern Star HCR Chapter 71Riverview StaffBeverly SachsenmaierSt. Paul’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

IN MEMORy OF

Richard ArtzGlenn ArpsShirley ArtzFamily & FriendsDan & Tina FreemanRalph & Mary Ann GourleyDr. Jack & Pamela Tuomi

Jean BarrettDavid & Jackie Barrett

Stephen J. BirkoskiPhyllis BirkoskiGerald, Barbara & Doug BohnJed & Roberta Danielsonyvonne M. GagnonMichael T. GriffithAndy & Melisa HealyHoward, Laurie & Charles JessonBill & Trish NeissWally & Kathleen ToavsCarol R. Whitmore

Helen L. BleyGene & Bonnie Knight

Patricia K. CettoMarianne Haigh

James A. CummingsClyde & Roberta Bigelow

Joyce E. FaechnerGene & Bonnie Knight

Erin GerughtyLewin Law Office

Your Gifts Create Lasting Legacies

Continued on page 14

Thanks to Russell Country Federal Credit Union for Supporting Camp Francis The credit union had a silent auction that raised $1,725 to benefit this camp for grieving children ages 6 to 12.. The camp, one of the life-changing programs provided through Benefis Peace Hospice’s Children’s Bereavement Program, is held each June in the mountains near Monarch.

This year’s camp served 36 children, who explored their grief in many creative ways using a “Space” theme. The campers worked together to sculpt a rocket ship, which was filled with memories from campers and volunteers; they made individual time capsules filled with commitments to honor their loved ones; enjoyed a meet-and-greet with Orbit, the Voyagers mascot, and much more. ✦

Woman Gives “Comfort Pouches” to Help Cancer Patients

Dana Nickos said although it’s been 7 years, it feels like just yesterday that she was sitting beside her stepdad, Denny Goetz, during his final days of battling cancer.“I am always encountering people who are just beginning this struggle of survival, either themselves or helping to support a loved one who is going through it,” said Dana, who lives in Minnesota. “I felt the need to do something because the words ‘I’m sorry’ are never enough.”

So she reached out to family and friends asking for $20 donations to buy Thirty-One Zipper Pouches and fill them with items like journals, chapstick, activity books, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, lotion, socks, candy and other things that could come in handy for people during their cancer treatments. She also tucked a note of inspiration inside each of the pouches.

With the help of others, Dana was able to fill 24 pouches for patients at the Sletten Cancer Institute, where her stepdad was treated. She also donated some pouches to a cancer facility in her area.

These bright pouches bring bright smiles when the nurses at Sletten hand them out, and the patients are so appreciative of the kind gift. Thanks so much, Dana, for your generosity.

14 SUMMER 2016

Thank you for supporting Benefis Foundation!Our donors deserve proper recognition for being so amazing. If your name is listed incorrectly,

please contact us & allow us to apologize & correct our records: 406.455.5840 or by email, foundation@benefis.org.

Ted HinderagerTreasure State Seed

Homer JohnsonGene & Bonnie Knight

Donna L. KarnsMarianne HaighRichard & Jeanne Zadick

Cathy E. KennedyTerry Will & Shelley Heien-Will

Harry J. KnaupJames & Marleen BlairMarleigh BollingerTom & Debra BradyRandy Brown & Diane LazenbyRichard & Peggy BryantGene & Gladys CarnahanTim & Billiette CoolidgeDale & Cindy DoaneDon & Barbara DonahueDuane & Marilyn EnnebergFamily & FriendsPam FaulhaberCharles & Joyce FrantzichConnie FretheimDoreen Gripentrog McKelvgHarvey & Veanne HawbakerGary & Margene KieferShirley Kimmet & FamilyMonte & Sharon Lerum

Bernice McPhillipsGary & Barb MercerRonald & Sandra MunsonWilliam & Frances OlingerCandis & Vicki PeterschickDon & Eileen PettigrewRobert & Patsy PostmaKathleen RaunigRonald & Judith ReighardKaren RobertsonCharlie & Geoff SantoroDon SaubyTheresa SchneeCamille SeubertShelby Speedy LubeGeneva R. SiskDavid & Betty SteneMary StevensKenneth & Fay TomayerBill & Marcelina VodallSteven & Tracy Williamson

Doris S. McDunnClifford Engebretson

Lee A. MillerMontana Commercial Credit, Inc.

Barbara B. OldsJudy M. Christensen

Doug ShawGlen & Marilyn EndersonLois HillQuality Foundation Co.

Irene M. StuartDavid Melby & Betty Callies-Melby

James R. SuttonJeanette Brown

Shirley WischJames & Dorothy ClarkLeroy & Marlys ClendenenDick & Nancy Doughten

IN HONOR OF

Dr. Steven M. ChrzanowskiKathleen Davison

Ed & Ronnie LehmanThe Mitchells

Dr. Bryan E. MartinAdam & Eleanor Carroll

Patrick Coulee RiceIsis Haslem

All Other Funds & EndowmentsRay & Arlene Anderson TrustShirley Q. BillingsleyPat A. BollesDr. Michael & Angela CaselnovaThomas W. Croskrey, Sr.Rich & Donna DengelJoseph R. DicapoFalls Quilt GuildFirst Interstate BancSystem FoundationDan & Joni GilstrapHealthy Mothers, Healthy BabiesAmber W. HollowayJames M. & Frances M.

Wylder FoundationDr. Donald & Kay JelinekAshlee KetchumGiselle M. MarquesMontana Healthcare FoundationJessica S. MosesMuscular Dystrophy AssociationJeremy A. PorterElizabeth M. QuickendenGuy L. Robbins, IIIBenjamin & Desiree RothKathleen A. ShryneBruce Shultz & Wendy PalmerDel S. SimonState of MontanaJanice D. SwansonCharles & Susan VolfVelma J. WhittRobin L. young

IN MEMORy OF

Leonida BodnerMarshall & Patricia Williams

James A. CummingsDelbert & Sharon Dieziger

Denise E. GemarBarbara W. Brodock

John A. JensenDavid & Jean Chalmers

Shirley A. KeenanWilliam & Linda Booth

Mary A. LeafBarbara W. Brodock

Doris M. LindquistFrank & Lois StimacMarlyann M. Verploegen

William A. ServiceKim S. Blunn

Edward J. WarrenDelbert & Sharon DiezigerJim & Tracy DustinAl & Nancy GettenCloyd & Karen GroveVirgil & Nancy HallGerald & Catherine KuntzMel, Barb, Helen & Christine MargarisBrad & Vicki RobinsonDale & Judy SchwankeRonald & Carol ShipleyGerald & Terry Snodgrass

IN HONOR OF

Dr. Benny E. BrandvoldMartin & Diana Leonard

Dr. Steven M. ChrzanowskiStu & Janie Nicholson

Quinne I. KellamMichael & Lindsey Kellam

Darcy L. SalgadoCharles & Darlene Gardner

Josephine SasekCharles & Darlene Gardner

Sletten Cancer Institute Funds & EndowmentsIN MEMORy OFContinued

Did you know you can sign up

to give monthly to support the Benefis Foundation

fund or program that’s dearest to your heart?

We can set it up for you to give through

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by credit card.

It’s that easy! Call us at 406.455.5840

to find out more.

Your Gifts Make a Real Difference

In early January, right after Montana was blessed with another big dump of snow, Taylor Forsyth of Benefis Trauma Services loaded up several boxes of new ski helmets, courtesy of the Benefis Health System Foundation, and headed to Showdown Ski Area. “I took 170 ski helmets up there and only had to bring one box home – we gave out 152 helmets!” she said. “We discovered the sizing on the ski helmets is very flexible, so we even got some adults in helmets. So many people were surprised that we were giving away ski helmets.”

A couple months later, Taylor and Ted Morigeau of Mercy Flight gave away about 50 ski helmets to adult and children skiers and snowboarders at Teton Pass Ski Area during its annual Jack and Jill Race. They also left 100 helmets at the Teton Pass rental shop for them to loan out with rental packages and to school groups that ski there.

Taylor also hopes to start a loaner helmet program for school groups who go to Showdown.

The Benefis Foundation received a note of gratitude from an Oklahoma family that was so grateful for the helmets they received from Trauma Services.

“During a short visit due to the generosity of my husband’s employer, we decided, spur of the moment, to take our kids, ages 8 and 11, skiing for the first time. Being on a tight budget, we began searching for rental helmets, to no avail. Then we received free helmets provided by your foundation.

Unbelievably, both of our children would have ended up with head injuries had it not been for the helmets that you provided. Our son plowed head-first into a wooden bench, and our daughter (bless her heart) hit the same large pole twice, head first. Anyway, they were both quick to realize the great benefits received by your helmet donations. We’re all very grateful.” ✦

Jim Bjelland Jr. of Conrad received a new helmet during the Jack and Jill Race at Teton Pass Ski Area.

Volunteer Amber Rausch of Cruise 4 Kids fits fourth grader Crystal Reed with a new bike helmet.

15 SUMMER 2016

In addition to giving ski helmets out during the winter, Trauma Services gave away 368 bike and skateboard helmets during the annual Safety First Rally, held in June. There were 15 safety displays set up at the rally, and children who visited 10 or more were fitted with a brand new helmet.

Trauma Services also gave away 100 gun locks, which was a new feature at the rally this year.

“The focus of our injury prevention program is to prevent what are the most common injuries in our trauma registry, one of which happens to be gunshot injuries,” said Taylor Forsyth of Trauma Services. “Each lock had a list of safety tips for storage.”

The safety helmets and gun locks are provided to children and families in our region thanks to donors who support the Benefis Foundation’s Greatest Need fund.

Thanks so much to everyone who gives to this special fund, which makes it possible to keep our children safe, and also to Trauma Services for your unending efforts to provide protective equipment and education. ✦

Greatest Need Donors Help Provide Helmets for Skiers

Annual Safety First Rally Provides More Helmets and Gun Locks

NorthWestern Energy’s “Look Up Before You Lift” display about the dangers of power lines was one of the favorites for both children and adults at the Safety First Rally.

Havre Family Affected by Cancer Gives Back Through Basketball TourneyRichard Jarvis, his wife Tamecia, and

their children Mekhi, Amaya and Kyanna on Richard’s last day of treatment at the

Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute.

16 SUMMER 2016

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The Richard Jarvis family of Havre, with the help of many others on the Hi-Line, organized a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in March to raise money to help cancer

patients and raise awareness about the disease.

The tournament, held at MSU-Northern, raised a total of $2,500, which went to support Gift of Life Housing Centers and to buy gas cards for cancer patients who have to travel to the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute for treatments.

This year’s tournament was the Jarvis family’s effort to pay it forward after the community pulled together and helped organize a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to raise money for Richard’s battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in November 2014 and underwent treatment at Sletten for about six months.

“We just wanted to give back,” he said.

The first year, the tournament was held at Havre Middle School and there were about a dozen teams. This year, they moved it to MSU-Northern College and made it a two-day tournament, with more than 20 teams and hundreds of spectators.

“It was great,” said Richard. “We had a good turn out and more prizes to give away. Whatever money we made went back to donations.” Richard said it was especially neat to see people who weren’t even at the tournament send checks to support the cause, which he hopes to continue raising money for.

“During the tournament, I talk about cancer awareness and push early detection,” he said. “I also push the Sletten Cancer Institute and Gift of Life Housing Centers. Those were the places that were there for me.” ✦